Almeyda backs Mexican talent, sees Rayados regaining identity

Matías Almeyda, the coach of Rayados de Monterrey, reaffirmed his faith in Mexican footballers, drawing on his experience of bringing them to Europe. He emphasized that his selections are based on merit and competitiveness, not just reputation.

"I put them to the test because since I left Mexico, I took Mexicans with me, and I believe in Mexicans and foreigners," Almeyda stated. He recalled instances like bringing Orbelín Pineda to Europe and previously in San Jose, underscoring his consistent belief in developing talent regardless of nationality. "The search for football, to be competitive, I'm not interested in names," he added.

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If they only grab the salmon, I invite them to fish. A country, a league that gives everything. Not just Monterrey, but many. Regarding the Mexican footballer, I put him to the test because since I left Mexico, I took Mexicans with me, and I believe in Mexicans and foreigners. I don't dwell on that anymore. They gave me the pleasure of bringing Orbelín, I took him to other places, I also did it in San José. So, regarding what is invested, someday it had to happen to me, but it guarantees nothing. The search for football, to be competitive, I'm not interested in names.

Almeyda also commented on the team's current form, noting that Rayados is recovering its identity after recent cycles under different coaches. He described the team's current spirit as one of "love and sacrifice," with players eager to compete. While acknowledging that achieving perfect functioning will take time, he sees a significant change in many players compared to a less successful previous semester.

He highlighted that the reinforcements brought in have added quality to an already established squad. "I only brought three; the team is built, and we need to get the best out of it," Almeyda explained. He concluded by stressing the importance of the group's cohesion and collective effort, stating, "The important thing is the functioning and the group, which is fundamental for groups to work as a group, and we are close to that."

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It must have it, otherwise they will fire me. The team has an identity, especially in that love and sacrifice that everyone runs and wants to play. It will take time to seek perfect functioning. If I see a change in many of them from a semester that was not good. They already had a team. Those reinforcements that we have been able to bring give a touch of quality to what the team already had, I only brought three, the team is assembled and getting the best out of it. The important thing is the functioning and the group, which is fundamental for groups to work as a group, and we are close to that.